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66 honoured at Surrey RCMP awards

The dryer in their home shorted out, and soon their home was completely on fire. Mom and dad were not at home, they would have to act on their own.

Genevieve, 12, and John Marcotte, 9, automatically recalled the family's evacuation plan, assisting their three younger siblings to a neighbour's home where they were safe from smoke inhalation.

The pair were recognized Wednesday night at the Surrey RCMP Officer in Charge Awards.

"The actions taken by these two children that day were truly heroic and saved the family from a potentially disastrous situation,” said Chief Supt. Bill Fordy. “Their actions and those of their neighbour are in keeping with the highest standards of a Canadian citizen and the RCMP.”

Before the awards ceremony, officers made a special visit to the Marcotte family home where they were given an RCMP escort to the ceremony and then greeted by the Surrey RCMP’s Staff Sergeant Major. Afterwards the children met the Officer in Charge who thanked them in person for their efforts.

They were two of the 66 people honoured for their actions at the awards on June 4 at the Surrey Arts Centre.

“Every year I look forward to this opportunity to publicly acknowledge the many acts of heroism and dedication displayed by the men and women of our detachment and community,” Fordy said. “I am very proud to honour officers and citizens who acted courageously and went that extra mile for our community.”

Others who were recognized included:

· An officer who responded to a fight and ended up detaining a homicide suspect with a loaded firearm

· An electrician who assisted investigators in dismantling a sophisticated drug trafficking operation

· A dispatcher who provided outstanding service during the apprehension of an aggressive suicidal male

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